Indian journal of anaesthesia
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Different additives have been used to prolong brachial plexus block. We performed a prospective, randomised, double-blind study to evaluate the effect of dexamethasone added to lidocaine on the onset and duration of supraclavicular brachial plexus block as this is the most common type of brachial block performed in our institute. ⋯ Addition of dexamethasone to 1.5% lidocaine with adrenaline in supraclavicular brachial plexus block speeds the onset and prolongs the duration of sensory and motor blockade.
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Literature suggests glottic view is better with straight blades while tracheal intubation is easier with curved blades. ⋯ We found that in patients with normal airway glottis was best visualised with Miller blade and Trueview(®) laryngoscope however, the trachea was more easily intubated with McCoy and Macintosh blades and Trueview(®) laryngoscope.
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Postoperative diaphragmatic hernia following transhiatal oesophagectomy is a rare but potentially life threatening complication. We describe a case of a 65 year old patient who developed diaphragmatic hernia following oesophagectomy and presented with cardio pulmonary compromise. During surgery, haemodynamic instability continued despite fluid resuscitation and noradrenaline infusion. ⋯ This can be explained by tension colothorax causing collapse of the underlying lung and cardiac tamponade. It is a surgical emergency requiring urgent decompression for resuscitation. The etiology, clinical presentation, pathophysiology and preventive measures are discussed.